Mined vs Lab Grown Diamonds: How Do They Differ

Mined vs Lab grown diamonds. One of the most important questions that concern the minds of potential diamond jewellery buyers. And it is a subject that we have engaged in from time to time in various ways in our posts. However, what is needed now is a more comprehensive breakdown of their differences.

The growing prominence of lab grown diamonds, built on the greater importance that is attached to its pro-environmental nature, the questions over conflict minerals, and the relative affordability of lab grown alternatives have made synthetic diamonds as they are known, a household name.

In this Education page, we will explain the differences between lab grown and natural or mined diamonds, what makes one a better choice than the other, and which type of diamond should you go for.

What are Diamonds?

In engaging the differences between mined and lab grown diamonds, it is good to start with a basic outline of what diamonds are. Which would provide a good segue into the topic of lab grown ones.

Natural diamonds or mined diamonds as they are sometimes known are carbon-based gemstones that form deep beneath the Earth’s surface, in a process involving tremendous levels of heat and pressure. This complex and natural process that gives rise to diamonds takes place over tens to hundreds of millions of years. These diamonds are then brought closer to the surface through volcanic activity, via rare volcanic magma types: notably kimberlite, lamproite, and lamprophyre.

However, the diamonds which are found within these rock formations are generally not anywhere near the surface of the Earth. Thus souring them involves mining these diamonds from deposits, known as primary deposits, which requires deep mining infrastructure. Along with logistical and transportation costs.

This might sound a bit much, but this is one of the key reasons why natural diamonds command a higher cost than most top gemstones. In addition to their rarity, and the beauty of a polished, cut stone, bringing a diamond stone found in nature to the market is not a simple process.

As pure carbon-based minerals, diamonds are valued for their purity, durability, and endurance. Diamonds score a solid 10.0 on the Mohs scale for hardness. And given their long history of development are known for their longevity: hence the expression that ‘diamonds are forever’.

When speaking of diamonds the focus is generally limited to natural or colourless diamonds. As these are the most popular variants. Though not necessarily the priciest. Natural colourless diamonds do feature certain shades of yellow or even a tinge of blue. However, this is a value-negative in colourless or conventional diamonds.

What are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Simply, any carbon-based gemstone that is not sourced from nature (i.e. a mined diamond) is a lab grown diamond. Now there is some confusion when it comes to the terminology concerning lab grown diamonds. As some tend to confuse them with diamond simulants like moissanite or cubic zirconia. This is not correct. Lab grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds in terms of their chemical character, and only feature slight variations from natural stones. Which we shall get to. Lab grown diamonds are what their name implies: carbon-based stones that are grown artificially in laboratories that contain all the core features of natural stones.

How are Lab Grown Diamonds Made? 

OK. So now we get to some of the technical stuff. Make no mistake, the formation of diamonds in the natural world is not a simple one. However, when it comes to replicating in controlled environments requires a deep understanding of the mineralogy of the stone and the ability to duplicate the natural environments in which the stones form. And most importantly, to do so in a relatively quick time (weeks to months). As humans don’t tend to live for millions of years.

Lab grown diamonds or synthetic diamonds as they are known are produced using two main methods: the High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process. 

The High-Pressure High Temperature

The High-Pressure High-Temperature method involves the replication of the natural environments in which diamonds form in the laboratory. It involves the use of graphite (a type of carbon atom formation) that is subjected to immense pressure for a sustained period of time, which leads to the formation of diamonds. An argument can be made the diamonds produced via High-Pressure High Temperatures are more ‘natural’ since it similar to the natural process of diamond formation. Though buyers are not likely to know about it.

The Chemical Vapor Deposition

The Chemical Vapor Deposition is arguably more interesting. It uses what is known as a “seed crystal” which is technically a tiny diamond, that is placed in an enclosed chamber. Which is then filled with a set of gages: most notably methane and other gases. The gases are then ionized into a form of plasma using sophisticated laser technologies, which contributes to the formation of layers and layers of carbon upon the surface of the seed crystal.

Can you tell Mined (Natural) Diamonds Apart from Lab Grown Diamonds?

For the naked eye? The answer is no. In fact, even with microscopic technology determining which diamond is mined and which is lab grown can prove to be a challenge. However, there are differences between the two. The first point to consider is that it is important that we are able to tell the two diamond types apart. As it is a significant factor when it comes to the grading of diamonds.

One of the ways diamond experts and gemologists who are trained in this regard determine the difference between mined and lab grown diamonds is by studying the morphology of the diamonds. Diamonds that are formed naturally and those which are grown in the laboratory showcase different growth patterns which are detectable under careful inspection. Generally, this is not a consideration for the average jewellery buyer, but it is key in the diamond certification process to determine their origins.

Do Lab Grown Diamonds Maintain their Value over Time?

Diamonds might last for a very long time, but do they maintain their natural value over that period is an important question. The key point to consider is that lab grown diamonds are not the best bet when it comes to long-term value. As the resale value of lab grown diamonds is practically nothing compared to natural diamonds. As the mined gemstones are valued for their inherent, natural value. In addition, to be a lot cheaper (something like -30 percent), so they are not the best choice as an investment-grade stone.

Differences Between Mined and Lab Grown Diamonds

The part that you have been waiting for: what sets mined or natural diamonds from lab grown or artificial variants. The most notable factor of course is the price: mined diamond are way more expensive. Given the rarity of natural stones, and the cost of bringing them to market, along with the declining costs of mined gemstones, makes the latter a premium option.

Lab grown diamonds are generally considered a more ethical choice. Given that they are made in laboratories, and not in mining regions in unstable parts of the world. With problems ranging from environmental harm, and exploitation of workers, to their role as conflict minerals. Subjects which we have covered in other Education pages, which you can read. The appeal of lab grown diamonds, especially for the more ethically minded younger generations is that they are a safe bet from an environmental standpoint.

However, some pro-mined diamond groups argue that natural carbon-based stones and the industries that are involved in them provide jobs for tens of thousands of people across the world. Whilst illegal activity and war profiteering does occur, this must be viewed in the broader context of value that is produced by the diamond industry.

And in case we forget, natural diamonds are still greatly valued for their natural worth: their rarity, natural beauty, their complex origins, and some economic value. As diamond buyers often wish to pay a premium price for a natural diamond over a lab grown. Especially when it comes to fine jewellery like engagement rings.